DESTINY took a hand when Carole Hough set out to look at properties in Mid Cheshire four years ago.

The independent financial adviser had been living at Stockton Heath and wanted somewhere with a garden.

On an estate agent’s list she spotted number 2 Hough Cottage, Hough Lane, Comberbach, and, intrigued by the name, immediately decided to check it out.

“I went along to view it simply because of the name. Although there is no family connection, I felt as soon as I arrived that I had come home. I knew instantly this was the place for me,” she recalled.

“The garden was overgrown and neglected but I could see the potential and couldn’t wait to get started.”

Three years of hard work later, the transformation was complete and much to Carole’s delight the garden has passed muster with the experts at the National Gardens Scheme.

NGS officials were so impressed they invited Carole to join the likes of Tatton Park and Arley Hall by opening her garden to the public this summer to help support charities.

Carole said: “Although mine is one of the smallest gardens open to the public, there is plenty to see, and it really comes into its own in late August and early September. I think people will enjoy it and hopefully get some ideas for their own gardens.”

The garden will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24, from 11am-5pm.

It is described in the NGS brochure as a scented countryside cottage garden with secluded secret areas.